National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers

| 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership | My artifacts demonstrating this standard (What?) | My Reflection on meeting this standard (So What?) | My Future Learning Goals related to this standard (Now What?)

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers:

.....a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
.....b. exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others
.....c. evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning
.....d. contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community

My artifacts demonstrating this standard (What?)

.....(many of these do not address 5.a. only because online communities are not yet supported in our district)

Bibliographic Citations (Standards 5.b.d. only)
Computer Use Policies (Standards 5.a.b.d. only)
Creative Commons Licensing (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Critical Thinking Skills (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Digital Citizenship (Standards 5.b.d. only)
Digital Citizenship Program (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Digital Resources (Standards 5.b.c.d. only)
ePals Global Community (Standards 5.a.b.d. only)
First Peoples'' Project (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Global Monster Project (Standards 5.a.b.d. only)
Google Forms (Standards 5.b.d. only)
Graphic Organizers (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Idea and Tool Exploration (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Innovative Project (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Internet Access (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Internet Access Discussion Summaries (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Learning Communities (Standards 5.b.c.d.)
Mythology Blog Activity (Standards 5.b.d. only)
"Pay Attention" Video (Standards 5.d. only)
Project-Based Learning (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Search Strategies (Standards 5.b.c.d. only)
Social Bookmarking (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Teacher WikiSpaces (Standards 5.a.b.c.d.)
Website Evaluation (Standards 5.b. only)

My Reflection on meeting this standard (So What?)

.....This standard is vital for professional preservation. With budget cuts and furloughs being proposed, we need to make sure we are as knowledgeable as possible on the implementation of emerging technology applications. It is not enough to just be aware that the technologies exist; we need to become proficent in their use and implementation with our students. By exploring the artifacts above I have learned about a few new tools, but more importantly I have become more aware of how they can be used to their best ability.

My Future Learning Goals related to this standard (Now What?)

.....Professional development is an ongoing part of our profession. We need to be constantly involved in educational opportunities which explore and develop our skills in technology and how to incorporate them into our curricula. I am participating in several online technology-related courses and (assuming we will have district funding to support it) I have plans to begin another master's program. Besides educating ourselves, we have a responsiblity to help our colleagues develop their skills as well. I plan to continue offering my services to my school community. Part of my class wiki will have a communication section for parents and colleagues. I also am developing a research course through Blended Schools which will serve as another collaboration tool. The main thing I can do to continue to meet this goal is to participate in all educational opportunities available to me, to conitnue to evaluate research and tools, and to provide support to others as much as I am competent to do so.